Valve replacement provides cost savings

This is in regards to Simple Solutions from a past issue, titled “Controlling pressure build up in air motors.” For your information, a 1 hp air motor will use 6 to 10 cfm at 90 to 100 psi. Drilling a 1/8 in. hole in the air line at these psi will pass 25.8 cfm at 4.5 cfm per hp. The hole is using 5.73 hp. Converting the horsepower to kW and using $0.045/kW gives a cost of $0.192/min. or $11.52/hr. How about replacing the valve for $50? — Henry Raymond

I would not recommend that anyone drill a hole in a pipe to prevent the possible problem discussed in the subject article. The proposed solution would leak expensive compressed air during the productive use of the air motor and is very wasteful. A three-way valve that exhausts the downstream air would achieve the same result. But the best solution is to repair all the leaks, not to create them.

— Bill Scales

Coming in the May issue

PLANT ENGINEERING Magazine recognizes the 2001 Product of the Year winners, including recipients of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. Also find out who took home the coveted Grand award, presented to the best overall product of the year.

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